Thinking of moving to Doha
Hi all,
My husband and I (and our 4 month old baby) are contemplating a move to Doha but would like to be clued up on a few things first !
1. Is there a site where we can search for rental properties? We would be looking for a Villa in a compound situation. Our rental allowance would be approximately $20,000 QR /month. We want to look up some properties to see what we could get for that amount ie fully furnished etc/ air con etc etc.
2. For the parents of bottle fed babies over there, what brands of formula do they have?
3. Are there groups of ex-pats that socialise together ?
4. Are there water restrictions ? (being that Doah is in the desert!)this question is unimportant, i am just curious :)
Thanks in advance,
Lacey.
Qatar is trying to change to more like a city concept... u can get all facilities in Qatar that u get elsewhere..
About the accomodation... U can get a coool villa with all facilities starting from 15,000 Qatari Riyals (4110$ onwards). There are lots of places where u can have fun if money is put forward...
There are lots of expat communities, the compound villa gives all types of services even gettogether parties for the people staying in the compound etc... which will again make it easier to meet people...
1.) Check website for classifieds of houses/villas with the local daily: www.gulf-times.com
2) S-26, NAN, Promil, Progress are just some of the few milkies out here. Am sure some more brands are out there but most typically these are the hard to look for. They're available at food palace and most leading supermarkets (Carrefour)
3)Don't know how big they are, but for most expat communities they have at least one. check w/ ur embassy. And for churchgoers (meaning christians) too!!!
4) Don't think water restrictions apply but sometimes during the summer months, water can be scarce (esp. bottled water) for a day or two...
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Goodluck!
thankyou for all of your replies ! There are so many questions !!!
no doubt I'll be asking more at some stage :)
Lacey
and not mattress pads or eggcrates to be found...we use a comforter/duvet under the fitted sheet. Helps some. :)
Lacey, re formulas - you can get Nan here, SMA is a version of S26 but I have never seen Karicare.
Unlike Australia all the water here is recycled sea water (I think they use reverse osmosis) you will be shocked by the amount of water used as compared to OZ. Sprinklers on in 45 degree heat at noon!!
You will be fine here as long as you get into a nice compound which will be easy with your housing allowence. But if you have the option I would bring with you some good furniture especially if you have a good bed, the ones here are VERY FIRM compared to the ones you are probably used to, it was one of my big problems when we first got here.
20,000 US dollars or QR?
Hi -
20 will get you on a nice compound - lots of amenities.
To add to the formula list - also Nestle, which I used. No Enfamil.
Get-togethers - seems like someone is always have a coffee morning. Check out www.expatwoman.com on the Qatar chatboard to make some more "mom" friends. Good site.
Not really any water restrictions.
Good luck with the move. We like it here. Have 2 little ones.
Lacey, just keep reading qatarliving you will find so many infos. about the villa is so many villa in compound available rite now. with your budget you have no problem to find one.
Everybody is right and Everybody is wrong, its depend where you stand
re your question about baby formulas - i know we have Aptamil, SMA,
Cow and Gate for sure. There are some others but I cant remember.
Qatar is wonderful, and for that amount of money you are sure to find something very nice.
I would think 20K would find something very nice. Try Gulf Times on line paper. It has a classified with lots of rentals, you will get an idea. But there is lots, don't worry with what you have to spend.
Formula, not sure, but this is a baby meca, and lots of expats stores. I would be confident you would find your formula. My friend was in a baby group, 20 ladies always got together. If your husband is working you need to get out or you'ii get bored. There is lots to do and many groups you just need to be out going and put yourself out there. This place is great for young families, we have 2 kids.
Hope that helps.
" if its not a good time, its a good story"